Feline Leukemia
Feline Leukemia Feline Leukemia is a retrovirus that causes a deficient immune system, the immune system cannot respond to infections. Feline leukemia is a viral disease that is specific to cats and suppresses the immune system, thereby making the cat more susceptible to other diseases.
Blood testing for feline leukemia is obtained from a licensed veterinarian. Feline Leukemia is not a zoonotic disease, which means it cannot spread outside of the species. Vaccination for Feline leukemia is highly recommended for outdoor cats.
Feline Leukemia is very contagious to cats and is ultimately fatal. Feline Leukemia is spread from cat to cat through bite wounds, casual contact with infected cats, and from infected mother cat to her kittens. Feline leukemia is shed in saliva, blood, urine, tears and feces It can be transmitted via grooming, food and water bowls, and litterboxes.
Indeed, there are many similarities with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) but rest assured that Feline Leukemia is not transmissible to humans.
A cat that is tests positive for Feline Leukemia (FeLV) should not be housed with other cats. Deciding what to do with a FeLV positive cat in a home with more than one cat be very difficult.
Because FeLV can be spread through litter trays, water and food bowls, and bedding, these should be disinfected with a solution containing 4 ounces of household bleach per 1 gallon of water, or they should be replaced after isolating the FeLV-positive cat. Floors should be cleaned and disinfected with a bleach solution, and rugs should be thoroughly vacuumed.
Feline Leukemia remains an incurable viral disease. However, newer methods for treating this disease have become more readily available.